Premature Ejaculation: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

(Using condoms also might help by reducing sensation.) Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can counter premature ejaculation because delayed orgasm is a common side effect.

• Recognize signs of performance anxiety and address them.
• Use distraction techniques to divert focus from orgasm.
• Combine treatments like behavioral therapy and medication.
• Limit caffeine intake which can increase arousal.
• Practice deep, slow breathing to relax before sex.
• Consider topical anesthetics to desensitize.
• Use distraction and timing techniques to improve control.
• Educate yourself about normal sexual response.
• Attend couple's therapy to improve communication.
• Keep a positive attitude and avoid shame.
• Explore different positions to find what prolongs pleasure.
• Stay committed to a treatment plan for the best results.

Some studies suggest that paroxetine (Paxil) may be the most helpful, but any of the other SSRIs also should work, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).

Key takeaways:

(Using condoms also might help by reducing sensation.) Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can counter premature ejaculation because delayed orgasm is a common side effect. Some studies suggest that paroxetine (Paxil) may be the most helpful, but any of the other SSRIs also should work, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). However, they need to be taken daily, since they don't work on an as-needed basis. Men who have both ED and premature ejaculation should first address their ED. That usually entails taking medication like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra).

When to consult a doctor for premature ejaculation treatment?

After this, they can add an SSRI. Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. However, they need to be taken daily, since they don't work on an as-needed basis. Men who have both ED and premature ejaculation should first address their ED. That usually entails taking medication like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra). After this, they can add an SSRI. Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood There’s no shortage of alleged men’s health experts on the internet claiming to have the best way to last longer in bed home remedies — if you just take their advice, which usually includes buying an e-book called “How I Cured My Premature Ejaculation.” Unfortunately, there are only a few treatments for premature ejaculation (PE) that clinical studies have proven effective, like medications and topical treatments. However, so-called natural remedies for premature ejaculation — such as pelvic floor exercises, topical numbing agents or masturbating prior to sex — could help some people. Want to give home remedies a try? Below, we’ve listed the 11 home remedies that scientific evidence suggests could slow down ejaculation, improve your sexual function and help you have more satisfying, enjoyable sex with your partner. If you’ve been exploring your search results for “how to last longer in bed home remedies” and “ways to last longer in bed home remedies,” you’ve probably seen some fairly unconventional and pseudo-scientific wellness recommendations. Luckily, you can ditch those options, as there are several evidence-based treatments for premature ejaculation available, including: Let’s look at each of these and their scientific backing in more detail. One supplement that’s often recommended as a natural treatment for premature ejaculation is zinc. Zinc is associated with numerous health benefits in men, including stimulating production of testosterone in men with hypogonadism. In fact, in a study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers observed an increase in serum testosterone levels when men used a zinc supplement. However, despite zinc’s potential benefits, there isn’t yet any high-quality research to suggest that zinc supplementation delays ejaculation in men with PE. Still, zinc is one of the most effective and important minerals for men, and it has numerous potential benefits for the body.

23. How long should a man last before ejaculation?

Still, zinc is one of the most effective and important minerals for men, and it has numerous potential benefits for the body. Another mineral that’s been linked to premature ejaculation is magnesium. Some research has found that magnesium deficiency may affect your sexual health, possibly contributing to premature ejaculation. In a 2001 study, researchers compared the magnesium content in the sperm of normal, healthy men with the sperm of men affected by premature ejaculation. They found that the men with premature ejaculation had lower levels of magnesium.

Psychological factors

This led researchers to theorize that low magnesium levels could cause vasoconstriction (the narrowing of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow) and decreasing nitric oxide levels in the penis, which may contribute to reduced sexual function. Scientific research hasn’t definitively linked ejaculation problems with taking magnesium supplements or eating magnesium-rich foods (think green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds and some types of fish such as salmon). At any rate, magnesium-rich options are unlikely to be foods that cause PE. If you think you may have a deficiency though, it is worth going to a healthcare provider for medical advice. Pelvic floor exercises, or kegel exercises, are simple exercises that you can do at home to strengthen the muscles located between your pubic bone and tailbone. Another mineral that’s been linked to premature ejaculation is magnesium.

• Use the start-stop technique during sex to control ejaculation.
• Practice the squeeze method to delay climax.
• Incorporate Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.
• Try desensitizing condoms or sprays to reduce sensation.
• Engage in breathing exercises to relax and extend arousal.
• Limit alcohol intake, as it can impair sexual stamina.
• Communicate openly with your partner about concerns.
• Use topical anesthetics cautiously to avoid loss of pleasure.
• Focus on foreplay to enhance arousal control.
• Consider counseling or sex therapy for underlying issues.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle for overall sexual health.
• Explore medication options prescribed by a doctor.

Some research has found that magnesium deficiency may affect your sexual health, possibly contributing to premature ejaculation. In a 2001 study, researchers compared the magnesium content in the sperm of normal, healthy men with the sperm of men affected by premature ejaculation. They found that the men with premature ejaculation had lower levels of magnesium. This led researchers to theorize that low magnesium levels could cause vasoconstriction (the narrowing of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow) and decreasing nitric oxide levels in the penis, which may contribute to reduced sexual function. Scientific research hasn’t definitively linked ejaculation problems with taking magnesium supplements or eating magnesium-rich foods (think green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds and some types of fish such as salmon). At any rate, magnesium-rich options are unlikely to be foods that cause PE. If you think you may have a deficiency though, it is worth going to a healthcare provider for medical advice.

Premature ejaculation treatments we offer

But if you can manage to maintain control, there are benefits. Although research is limited in scope and quality, science tends to back up the effectiveness of the stop-start strategy as a method for treating PE, at least in the short term. In one article published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Urology, researchers noted that 45 to 65 percent of men who use the stop-start strategy reported improvements in the short term, although only 25 percent of men still showed improvements after three years. Another option for treating premature ejaculation by yourself is the squeeze technique. The squeeze technique is exactly what it sounds like — during sex, as you begin to feel orgasm and ejaculation approaching, gently squeeze at the head of the penis to reduce sensation and give yourself some time (roughly 30 seconds to a minute) to feel less aroused.

Prevalence of premature ejaculation worldwide

Like the stop-start technique, the squeeze technique can be used as many times as you’d like during sex, letting you delay ejaculation for a fairly long period of time by decreasing penis sensitivity. Like the stop-start strategy, there’s not a lot of long-term scientific data on the squeeze technique’s effectiveness. However, it’s been a widely recommended technique since the 1950s and an anecdotal favorite for men affected by PE. It’s also an easy technique that you can use at home to last longer during sex. Another simple, do-it-yourself technique for preventing premature ejaculation and lasting longer in bed is to masturbate before you plan to have sex. Pelvic floor exercises, or kegel exercises, are simple exercises that you can do at home to strengthen the muscles located between your pubic bone and tailbone.

These muscles support your ability to control urination and bowel movements, and they also appear to assist with control over ejaculation and healthy erections.

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During sex, this means you’ll feel a slightly less intense sensation, helping you avoid accidentally orgasming too early. While there’s no direct scientific proof that these condoms can treat premature ejaculation, there is evidence that benzocaine — the active ingredient in most extended pleasure condoms — helps men last longer before ejaculating. In a 2017 study, men with an average intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) of two minutes or less experienced an average increase of 231.5 seconds (almost four minutes) after using 4% topical benzocaine wipes for two months. It’s also possible to delay ejaculation by using a thicker condom, which can lower sensation and help you avoid reaching orgasm too early. By strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, you may be able to improve your sexual health and reduce the severity of premature ejaculation. Even if they’re not exactly fun to do, they’re arguably an easier path towards solving PE than other treatment options like premature ejaculation surgery, for instance, In fact, one study published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Urology found that men with lifelong premature ejaculation achieved a longer intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT, or time to ejaculation) after six months of pelvic floor rehabilitation exercises. Another study published in the journal BJU International found that 40 percent of men aged 20 and older with erectile dysfunction showed improvements in erectile function after three months of pelvic floor training. You can train your pelvic floor muscles at home in just a few minutes a day to achieve better control. Our full guide to pelvic floor exercises for men goes into more detail about the benefits of pelvic floor training, as well as the techniques you can use to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Another premature fildena ct ejaculation exercise to try is the stop-start strategy. It involves stopping any movement when you feel orgasm approaching, and then starting to move again once you feel confident you aren’t about to ejaculate. Performed right, the stop-start strategy can help you last longer in bed without using medication to delay orgasm. However, getting the timing right can be challenging. But if you can manage to maintain control, there are benefits. Although research is limited in scope and quality, science tends to back up the effectiveness of the stop-start strategy as a method for treating PE, at least in the short term. In one article published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Urology, researchers noted that 45 to 65 percent of men who use the stop-start strategy reported improvements in the short term, although only 25 percent of men still showed improvements after three years. Another option for treating premature ejaculation by yourself is the squeeze technique. The squeeze technique is exactly what it sounds like — during sex, as you begin to feel orgasm and ejaculation approaching, gently squeeze at the head of the penis to reduce sensation and give yourself some time (roughly 30 seconds to a minute) to feel less aroused. Like the stop-start technique, the squeeze technique can be used as many times as you’d like during sex, letting you delay ejaculation for a fairly long period of time by decreasing penis sensitivity. Like the stop-start strategy, there’s not a lot of long-term scientific data on the squeeze technique’s effectiveness. However, it’s been a widely recommended technique since the 1950s and an anecdotal favorite for men affected by PE.

• Apply desensitizing creams for temporary delay.
• Use the 'stop and squeeze' technique during sex.
• Engage in regular pelvic muscle exercises.
• Manage stress levels through meditation.
• Avoid excessive masturbation to build control.
• Communicate openly with partner about fears.
• Try distraction techniques when feeling close to climax.
• Use condoms designed to decrease sensation.
• Practice mindfulness to stay present and relaxed.
• Limit stimulant use like caffeine or nicotine before intimacy.
• Maintain a healthy weight to enhance sexual performance.
• Seek professional advice for persistent issues.

It’s also an easy technique that you can use at home to last longer during sex.

• Practice deep breathing when feeling close to climax.
• Use desensitizing products as a short-term solution.
• Try edging exercises to increase control.
• Limit sexual activities that lead to early ejaculation.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards progress.
• Consult a healthcare provider for medication options.
• Experiment with different masturbation techniques.
• Use mental distraction to delay orgasm.
• Strengthen core muscles to improve stamina.
• Avoid caffeine and stimulants before sex.
• Stay well-hydrated for optimal performance.
• Educate yourself about sexual health and techniques.

Another simple, do-it-yourself technique for preventing premature ejaculation and lasting longer in bed is to masturbate before you plan to have sex. Like foreplay, masturbation can become a healthy part of your sex life if used to moderate the quick finish associated with types of sexual dysfunction like performance anxiety. Although there’s no high-quality research to support the benefits of masturbating prior to sex for increasing ejaculation time, many guys claim that it’s effective.

The theory behind this technique is that masturbating causes you to enter your refractory period — a post-ejaculation period when you’ll find it more difficult (or, in some cases, impossible) to reach orgasm again until you’re able to recover. While waiting an hour might make having sex easier, it’s important to give your body enough time to recover in order to avoid sexual performance issues, such as erectile dysfunction (ED).

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Like foreplay, masturbation can become a healthy part of your sex life if used to moderate the quick finish associated with types of sexual dysfunction like performance anxiety. Although there’s no high-quality research to support the benefits of masturbating prior to sex for increasing ejaculation time, many guys claim that it’s effective. The theory behind this technique is that masturbating causes you to enter your refractory period — a post-ejaculation period when you’ll find it more difficult (or, in some cases, impossible) to reach orgasm again until you’re able to recover. While waiting an hour might make having sex easier, it’s important to give your body enough time to recover in order to avoid sexual performance issues, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s also important to keep in mind that you may feel less interested in having sex for a few hours after you masturbate.

Can an enlarged prostate cause premature ejaculation?

If you’ve googled, ‘how to last longer in bed naturally home remedies,’ you may have come across Chinese traditional remedies for premature ejaculation. In Chinese medicine, PE is thought to be related to spleen, kidney and blood issues. As such, many of the treatments aim to strengthen the kidneys and spleen, promote blood circulation and target other perceived root causes of premature ejaculation. Although some ingredients used in Chinese traditional medicine might improve blood circulation throughout the body, there’s currently no high-quality scientific evidence to suggest that Chinese herbal medicine increases sexual stamina or treats PE. Extended pleasure condoms, or numbing condoms, contain topical anesthetics that numb your penis when worn. It’s also important to keep in mind that you may feel less interested in having sex for a few hours after you masturbate.

How to prevent premature ejaculation

These muscles support your ability to control urination and bowel movements, and they also appear to assist with control over ejaculation and healthy erections. By strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, you may be able to improve your sexual health and reduce the severity of premature ejaculation. Even if they’re not exactly fun to do, they’re arguably an easier path towards solving PE than other treatment options like premature ejaculation surgery, for instance, In fact, one study published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Urology found that men with lifelong premature ejaculation achieved a longer intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT, or time to ejaculation) after six months of pelvic floor rehabilitation exercises. Another study published in the journal BJU International found that 40 percent of men aged 20 and older with erectile dysfunction showed improvements in erectile function after three months of pelvic floor training. You can train your pelvic floor muscles at home in just a few minutes a day to achieve better control.

Other agents

Our full guide to pelvic floor exercises for men goes into more detail about the benefits of pelvic floor training, as well as the techniques you can use to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Another premature fildena ct ejaculation exercise to try is the stop-start strategy. It involves stopping any movement when you feel orgasm approaching, and then starting to move again once you feel confident you aren’t about to ejaculate. Performed right, the stop-start strategy can help you last longer in bed without using medication to delay orgasm. However, getting the timing right can be challenging. If you’ve googled, ‘how to last longer in bed naturally home remedies,’ you may have come across Chinese traditional remedies for premature ejaculation. In Chinese medicine, PE is thought to be related to spleen, kidney and blood issues. As such, many of the treatments aim to strengthen the kidneys and spleen, promote blood circulation and target other perceived root causes of premature ejaculation. Although some ingredients used in Chinese traditional medicine might improve blood circulation throughout the body, there’s currently no high-quality scientific evidence to suggest that Chinese herbal medicine increases sexual stamina or treats PE.

How it works

Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood There’s no shortage of alleged men’s health experts on the internet claiming to have the best way to last longer in bed home remedies — if you just take their advice, which usually includes buying an e-book called “How I Cured My Premature Ejaculation.” Unfortunately, there are only a few treatments for premature ejaculation (PE) that clinical studies have proven effective, like medications and topical treatments. However, so-called natural remedies for premature ejaculation — such as pelvic floor exercises, topical numbing agents or masturbating prior to sex — could help some people. Want to give home remedies a try? Below, we’ve listed the 11 home remedies that scientific evidence suggests could slow down ejaculation, improve your sexual function and help you have more satisfying, enjoyable sex with your partner. If you’ve been exploring your search results for “how to last longer in bed home remedies” and “ways to last longer in bed home remedies,” you’ve probably seen some fairly unconventional and pseudo-scientific wellness recommendations.

Lidocaine (4%) Cream for PE

Luckily, you can ditch those options, as there are several evidence-based treatments for premature ejaculation available, including: Let’s look at each of these and their scientific backing in more detail. One supplement that’s often recommended as a natural treatment for premature ejaculation is zinc. Zinc is associated with numerous health benefits in men, including stimulating production of testosterone in men with hypogonadism. In fact, in a study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers observed an increase in serum testosterone levels when men used a zinc supplement. However, despite zinc’s potential benefits, there isn’t yet any high-quality research to suggest that zinc supplementation delays ejaculation in men with PE. Extended pleasure condoms, or numbing condoms, contain topical anesthetics that numb your penis when worn. During sex, this means you’ll feel a slightly less intense sensation, helping you avoid accidentally orgasming too early. While there’s no direct scientific proof that these condoms can treat premature ejaculation, there is evidence that benzocaine — the active ingredient in most extended pleasure condoms — helps men last longer before ejaculating. In a 2017 study, men with an average intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) of two minutes or less experienced an average increase of 231.5 seconds (almost four minutes) after using 4% topical benzocaine wipes for two months. It’s also possible to delay ejaculation by using a thicker condom, which can lower sensation and help you avoid reaching orgasm too early.